Chapter 4

It had already been two days since Prokel was transferred to a distant place by the Demon King of "Migration."

During that time, Prokel's monsters had been striving to rescue him and protect the city he had built. It was only natural for monsters to follow a demon king. However, the monsters were devoted to Prokel, not just because of the rules, but out of genuine affection, and they were desperately trying to bring back their important person.

In a workshop filled with countless electronic devices, a silver-haired girl was busily moving her arms. The monitors surrounding her displayed a stream of information. A girl with a fox tail came to her.

"Rorono, did you find Dad?"

"No. No luck. We've been running the satellites at full capacity for two days, but we can't find Master."

The small girl muttered regretfully. Rorono, the creator of the three satellites and an Elder Dwarf, a top-tier dwarf skilled in forging, was the only one capable of processing the data sent from the satellites in real time. However, she still couldn't find him.

"It's strange that we can't find him after searching so much. I can feel the bond with Master, so I know he's alive. Maybe he's underground, in another demon king's dungeon, or even off this planet. After all, Shier is there. It's strange that we haven't heard from her. Probably, it's not a normal situation."

"Then, Rorono, search underground! If that doesn't work, search even further. If that fails, we'll destroy other demon kings' dungeons one by one!"

"Regardless of the last part, I intend to do the others. With my abilities, I can do it. ...But it will take time."

Even Rorono, who could create anything, needed the appropriate materials, equipment, and time to create such things.

"Then, we can only rely on Aura."

"Yeah, she should be back soon."

At that moment, an alarm sounded, and a monitor on the wall displayed a scene of a large group of black dragons carrying transport containers.

These were the Dark Dragons, Graflos. Each one was extremely fierce and powerful. If a human unfamiliar with Avalon saw this, they would likely go into a frenzy.

The Graflos approached the dome located deep within Avalon, the city created by the Demon King of "Creation," Prokel. The dome's ceiling opened, and they landed one after another inside.

"Perfect timing."

"Let's go immediately. We might have found a clue to bring back Master."

Thus, Quina and Aura, the two "Bound Monsters," decided to head to the dome, which was created to hide the hidden face of Avalon.

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The giant dome in Avalon concealed something that couldn't be shown to humans, and only monsters were allowed to enter. Avalon was an open and free city, but this place was an exception.

Approaching it would trigger a warning, and ignoring the warning to get closer would result in immediate and merciless exclusion. When Quina and Rorono arrived at the dome, the Graflos had already unloaded the containers, and Prokel's monsters were coming out, carrying weapons and supplies.

By having the Graflos carry the containers, Prokel's monsters could launch a rapid attack. This was done for the purpose of war. Quina and Rorono headed straight for the container where their target was located. From the container, a girl with elf-like long ears and a curvaceous body, and a boy in a black cloak, descended.

The girl was Aura, the third "Bound Monster," an Ancient Elf, and the boy was in the form of their master, the Demon King of "Creation," Prokel.

"Is this dirty one the one who did terrible things to Dad?"

"Yes, that's right. This small piece of trash took our Master from us. ...I can't forgive it."

In Aura's hand was an iron chain stained with blood. At the end of the chain was a thin man with a snake's tail, but his appearance was pitiful.

He was covered in wounds, with leech swellings and burn marks all over his body. His eyes were red from continuous tears, and half of his teeth had been pulled out. Every time he breathed, a strange sound could be heard. The Graflos had loaded the container with monsters, weapons, and supplies and headed to the "Migration" dungeon.

After returning home immediately from the "Night Meeting" and discussing with the strategist Duke, they decided to destroy the "Migration" dungeon, defeat its master, the Demon King of "Migration," and kidnap him.

"I'm sorry for taking so long to return. I didn't expect it to take eight hours. He was more stubborn than I thought."

"No, it's fine. You did well to bring back this trash. Good job, Aura!"

"Yeah, as expected of Aura. She can give retribution to the one who did such things to Master. Plus, we might have found a clue to bring back Master, so it's a two-for-one."

"Actually, it's not a two-for-one. There were three objectives in destroying the 'Migration' dungeon, so it's a three-for-one. It's fine now, Master."

"Yes, let it be so."

As Aura said this, Prokel, standing next to her, melted and turned into a red slime.

"Pyu~"

This was a Trans-Slime, a B-rank monster, two ranks below an Evolve-Slime. While it couldn't mimic like an Evolve-Slime, it was skilled at transforming and could imitate appearance and mannerisms.

After a long transformation, the Trans-Slime was almost liquid, unable to maintain its droplet shape.

"The three objectives of this operation were: one, to show that Master is alive and to prevent an easy attack on Avalon. For this, we used a fake."

They had the Trans-Slime mimic Prokel to create the appearance that Prokel had been found and a war of retaliation had been launched. While some might doubt it was a fake, without concrete proof, it would be difficult to attack. Even if it was eventually discovered, it would buy time.

"Two, retribution. We can't forgive the one who took our important person. We will crush him thoroughly."

Aura pulled the collar and dragged the naked Demon King of "Migration," stepping on his head.

"Three, to bring back Master. This one, who transferred Master, might be able to lead us to him, or at least provide a method. Even if that's not possible, we can gain his power as a last resort. ...Unfortunately, even after all this torture, he says he can't bring him back or even know where he was sent."

"R-r-really, I don't know anything. My power can only send, not track."

"Yes, I believe you. I'm confident in my interrogation skills and used drugs. Your power truly can't bring him back, and you can't think of a way to do so."

Aura smiled. Despite her beauty, the Demon King of "Migration" felt his spine freeze.

"Well, this was expected. Honestly, I hoped it would be this way."

"Aura, if we can't bring Dad back, what do we do?"

"Don't worry. We're doing what's necessary. ...Before we finish, I'll ask you one last time. Can your power really not bring him back?"

The final warning. With a goddess-like compassion, Aura asked the Demon King of "Migration."

"It's true. So, please, no more—"

"I understand. Then, you're no longer needed. ...Lue, give the order to the subordinates in the 'Migration' dungeon."

Aura's earring jingled. Nothing happened for a while, but a few minutes later, the Demon King of "Migration" began to tremble and hug himself.

"My power, my—"

"It's not your power anymore. It's Master's power now."

The source of a demon king's power is the crystal in the deepest part of the dungeon. When the crystal is shattered, the dungeon collapses, the created monsters disappear, and the demon king loses their power. Therefore, demon kings strengthen their dungeons and desperately protect the crystal. Thus, the Demon King of "Migration," having lost his power, was no longer a demon king but a powerless human. Additionally, if the crystal is shattered by the demon king or their monster, the demon king's power is transferred. This means Prokel gained the "Migration" ability and can create the "Migration" medal, which will be a significant weapon for his return.

The risk of being attacked by other demon kings while Prokel was absent was high, and dispersing forces was dangerous. However, they attacked the "Migration" dungeon for this purpose.

"Aa, aa, aa, my power, my—"

"Stop being stubborn. It's not your power anymore. You should be more concerned about what will happen to you now. After all, we no longer need to hold back."

The Demon King of "Migration" took time to understand Aura's words. When he finally did, his teeth chattered.

"I might have some value, so I've been holding back, but this level of treatment doesn't satisfy me. So, I'll hand you over to someone much better at this. In my case, killing you would be the end, but this person, well, they can do much more. ...Enjoy it."

A wind began to swirl. The wind lifted him and sucked him into a hole in the corner of the dome.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH